WWI Centenary exhibition

Local MP, David Rutley, dropped into a local exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice signalling the end of the Great War recently.

Aftermath100 was established by Trevor Druce, formerly of the Macclesfield War Graves Project, with the support of the Chairman of the Macclesfield branch of the Royal British Legion, Cllr Alan Williams, as well as local veteran Walter Freudenau. It aims to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of The Armistice in 1918, and to highlight the physical and mental impact on those who survived, both in the Armed Forces and the wider civilian population.

The well-attended exhibition, which is open until 17th February and based in Churchill Chambers on Churchill Way, features a range of artwork produced by Aftermath100 members and local artists. It brings to life the cramped and squalid conditions of the trenches and even enables visitors to smell the types of gases used during World War One. There is no entry charge but, as a ‘not for profit’ organisation, Aftermath100 asks for small donations to assist with its wider commemorative work throughout the year. The organisation hopes to encourage more visitors, including from local schools, in the weeks ahead.

Later in the year, the team plans to work with Macclesfield Reflects, by placing the image of a poppy in the window of each house or building, in which each Macclesfield soldier who died during WW1 lived. If the building is no longer standing, Aftermath100 intends to display old maps to indicate where the fallen soldiers once lived. Anyone who would like to get involved or to donate to the project should contact the team through its website, at: aftermath100.org/contact.html

Speaking after his visit, David said, “I would like to thank Trevor and Walter and all at Aftermath100 for all their hard work in organising this moving and memorable exhibition, as well as Julie Hamer from Incubation Arts for kindly hosting it. As Aftermath100 powerfully demonstrates, the effects of this historic conflict on our town were far-reaching and significant, and I would encourage more local residents, school groups and community groups to visit and learn more about this historic event, particularly in this centenary year.”

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